French Toast Casserole

1 loaf Texas bread, thick sliced

8 eggs

3 cups milk

1/4 cup sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 tablespoons butter, cut into 5 pats

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Grease 13x9" pan. Cut bread into 1" wide strips. (using French bread, its easiest to slice it in half lengthwise first.) Put one layer into bottom of pan.

Beat eggs, milk, sugar, salt and vanilla in a large bowl. Pour over bread. Cut each pat of butter into several pieces, enough so that each bread slice has a piece on it. Sprinkle the top of the bread with cinnamon. Cover with foil and refrigerate for up to 36 hours.

When ready to cook, place plan in COLD oven. Turn temperature to 350ºF and bake for 45-50 minutes. When touched, it should spring back.

Allow to set for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with syrup or fruit compotes.